The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is an Aboriginal-designed and -controlled body committed to influencing and advancing the health and well-being of Aboriginal Peoples by carrying out knowledge-based strategies.

Incorporated in 2000, NAHO is a unique not-for-profit organization founded upon, and committed to, unity, while respecting diversity. With Aboriginal communities as its primary focus, NAHO gathers, creates, interprets, disseminates, and uses both traditional Aboriginal and contemporary western healing and wellness approaches. At all times, the organization reflects the values and principles contained in traditional knowledge and traditional knowledge practices.

NAHO’s work is guided by five main objectives:

• To improve and promote Aboriginal health through knowledge-based activities.
• To promote an understanding of the health issues affecting Aboriginal Peoples.
• To facilitate and promote research on Aboriginal health and develop research partnerships.
• To foster the participation of Aboriginal Peoples in delivery of health care.
• To affirm and protect Aboriginal traditional healing practices.

NAHO is respectful and inclusive of all Aboriginal Peoples including men, women, children, youth, and the elderly, living in urban and rural locations.

NAHO is governed by a Board of Directors made up of 15 members, 10 of which are appointed by NAHO’s member organizations:

• The Assembly of First Nations
• The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
• Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
• The Métis National Council
• The Native Women’s Association of Canada

An additional five board members are elected by the 10 appointed board members.

NAHO receives core funding from Health Canada to undertake knowledge-based activities, including education, research and knowledge dissemination. Health Canada exerts no influence over the content of NAHO materials nor are NAHO materials attributable, in whole or in part, to Health Canada. No corporate body or commercial entity has any influence over the contents of NAHO publications.

All materials published by NAHO are put through an established approvals process to ensure that the information presented is credible, timely and accurate. Many of NAHO’s publications, such as the Journal of Aboriginal Health, are peer-reviewed prior to being accepted for publication by the organization. With regards to Aboriginal knowledge, NAHO adheres to the principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP). 

NAHO’s centres

NAHO’s work is strengthened by its three centres: the First Nations Centre, the Ajunnginiq (Inuit) Centre and the Métis Centre. Each of these centres advances the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by focusing on the distinct needs of their respective populations and promoting culturally relevant approaches to health care.

Last Update: September 14 2007